Oscar doesn’t think he’ll be tried: State

Crime & Courts / 21 February 2013, 4:45pm

SAPA

Oscar Pistorius stands in the dock during a break in court proceedings at the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Wednesday. Photo: Siphiwe Sibeko

Pretoria - Murder accused paralympian Oscar Pistorius seems to be under the impression he might not be tried for the shooting of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, prosecutor Gerrie Nel told the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Thursday.

According to Nel, this was reflected in Pistorius' use of the words “should there be a trial” in his affidavit.

Nel was arguing why magistrate Desmond Nair should not grant the international athlete bail.

Nel said Pistorius had not offered to give up his passport, but had said he would if it was a condition of bail.

“We say there is nothing exceptional in this person's application. He's a man of means.”

Nel continued: “He never said to this court: 'I'm not going anywhere'.”

Nel said Pistorius intended continuing as if the incident had never happened. “We say we are astounded by the total lack of seriousness.”

Pistorius' “total lack of willingness to take responsibility for his deeds increases his flight risk”, he said.

Pistorius is charged with the murder of Steenkamp at his home in Pretoria. He has said he thought an intruder was in the house when he fired four shots through a bathroom door, killing Steenkamp. - Sapa